Affinity Packaging sponsor Stourbridge game

Date: 22 January 2016

On Saturday we are delighted to be welcoming Affinity Packaging to Lightfoot Green as main match sponsors for the 1st XV game with Stourbridge.

Affinity Packaging are an innovative printed folding carton manufacturer, specialising in bespoke packaging for all market sectors, from the initial design concept to high quality delivered cartons.

Saturday’s party will be led by Owner and Managing Director Chris Dew who will be familiar to many Hoppers supporters having been a key player and coach at 1st XV level throughout the 80’s and 90’s at Lightfoot Green.

Chris Dew

Chris Dew

Ahead of Saturday we caught up with Chris to ask him some questions about Affinity Packaging but also to get his opinion on rugby matters.

Who are Affinity Packaging and what services do you provide?

Affinity Packaging is a manufacturer of printed board, paper and plastic packaging based in Leyland. Our core product is folding cartons, supplying blue chip clients in the retail and industrial markets mainly in the North-West.

Why have Affinity Packaging chosen to sponsor a Preston Grasshoppers game?

We are a locally based business with strong family links to the club and we felt the match day experience was a fitting way to say thanks to and celebrate with our customers, business partners and family who have contributed to making our second year a success.

What connections do Affinity Packaging have to Preston Grasshoppers?

I have been involved at Hoppers since the late 80’s as a 1st XV Captain, Coach and Director of Rugby. Garth, my son, is the current Head Coach who is now also playing. Affinity came into existence in early 2014 when I led the buyout of Leyprint – a company that was established over 100 years ago by the Mould family who have long standing connections to Hoppers and who incidentally used to print the Hoppers programme. Christopher Mould is still an active club member and Will was a regular first teamer in the 90’s.

Chris' son Garth has recently returned to playing for the 1st XV as well as being Head Coach

Chris’ son Garth has recently returned to playing for the 1st XV as well as being Head Coach

Why should Hoppers members consider using Affinity Packaging?

We would be absolutely delighted to talk with any members or supporters who might require bespoke printed packaging for their business.

What are your thoughts on how the 1st XV have been playing this season?

After a slow start the team has visibly matured and are looking well drilled and organised. The young squad have benefited from the on-field experience of the three main coaches who are all now involved playing-wise. This has brought the maturity and experience needed to close out tight games

What are your predictions for the game with Stourbridge?

I’m sure it will be our toughest test yet given the league position of Stourbridge, their ambition for promotion and the fact we managed to beat them on their patch earlier in the season. I’m expecting a tight game but hopefully Hoppers can repeat the hunger to win that they showed against Sedgley just before Xmas.

Who will win the 6 Nations and why?

As a proud Welshman you can guess, but not because of one-eyed patriotism! They had a good World Cup with half a squad because of injury and have been the most consistent 6 nations team over the last few years in terms of selection and the coaching set-up.

Will Eddie Jones be a success as England coach?

Well, he cant really do a lot worse than the last lot can he?

I think he will bring a world class approach to the set-up that has been lacking since Clive Woodward was involved. He also has a class act in ex Hopper Steve Borthwick as his forwards coach. I suspect the other Home Nations are a little bit nervous about what might be on the horizon.

Irrespective of this with the resources the RFU possess there should never be a debate about who should win the 6 nations. There are around 5 times as many registered men playing rugby in England compared to Wales and the RFU have £m’s in the bank (just getting my excuses in early in case we don’t win the 6N)!

We look forward to welcoming Chris and his colleagues, clients and guests to Lightfoot Green on Saturday.

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